Joe Mafela

Joe Mafela (25 June 1942 – 18 March 2017) was one of South Africa’s most beloved entertainers — an actor, producer, comedian, songwriter and cultural icon whose career spanned more than four decades. He was born in Sibasa, Limpopo Province, and spent much of his childhood moving with his family through Kliptown, White City Jabavu and eventually Tshiawelo Township in Soweto. Tshiawelo was one of the areas designated for Venda and Tsonga residents under Apartheid, and Mafela’s family remained there until 1990.

Mafela made his acting debut at the age of 22 in the 1964 feature film Real News, directed by Peter Hunt, where he played the role of a newspaper editor. This marked the beginning of an illustrious career in film and television. In 1974 he co-starred in Udeliwe, regarded as South Africa’s first Black feature film, where he played the memorable character Peter Pleasure. Two years later he appeared in Hunt’s film Shout at the Devil, shot during the turbulent period of the 1976 Soweto Uprising.

With the launch of South African television in 1976, Mafela’s screen presence grew rapidly. His most iconic role came in 1986, when he played S’dumo in the Zulu-language sitcom ’Sgudi ’Snaysi (“It’s Good, It’s Nice”). The series became a cultural phenomenon, running for 78 episodes and cementing Mafela as a household name. He also entered advertising, working as a creative director at BBDO and later becoming a director at Sharrer Advertising. It was during this time that he conceptualised early Chicken Licken commercials and created the famous jingle: “It’s good, good, good — it’s good, it’s nice.”

In addition to acting, Mafela built a successful music career. His 1996 album Shebeleza Fela, released by Gallo Records, became a national hit, with the single Shebeleza (Congo Mama) serving as an unofficial anthem during the 1996 Africa Cup of Nations. He went on to release several more albums and continued working in television and film through the 2000s.

Despite his success, Mafela remained known for his humility and professionalism. He received numerous honours, including a Lifetime Achievement Award and a SAFTA award for Best Comedic Actor. Sometimes referred to as “the face of South African entertainment,” he was widely celebrated for his pioneering role in Black television.

Joe Mafela passed away tragically in a car accident in Johannesburg on 18 March 2017. He left behind his wife, four children, and an enduring legacy within South African popular culture.

Sources:

• Wikipedia – “Joe Mafela”

• South African History Online – Biography of Joe Mafela

• Actor Spaces Website – Image Source